The helix and the herpstat are pretty much the same thing as in what they do. The herpstat has more features then the helix base model. Both units are quality units, it really depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. Of course my reccommendation is the herpstat. It offers alot more at a lower price and you dont have to wait a month to get the thing... On the ranco it is a on/off tstat.... Feel free to mail me if you need any techinal info..
-Matt
PS Adam answer your email man..sheesh